The Ultimate Guide In Cleaning Composite Decking

How To Clean Composite Decking

Choosing the correct cleaner can literally make or break your deck. When buying a cleaning product, always check the label and never use anything labeled as a Chlorine Bleach based “deck cleaner”. If the active ingredients include Sodium Hypochlorite, it contains Bleach. Chlorine bleach is very corrosive and will eat into any material it’s applied to. Eventually, it will lead to discoloration of your deck, damage the surface , and can exacerbate any mold/mildew issues that may occur.

Decking & Railing Duos

To power wash a composite deck, spray deck with soap, then follow by gently scrubbing each deck board with a soft bristle brush. Application details differ slightly, though, so consult the label for specifics. Labels say the Olympic product cleans 300 square feet per gallon, and Expert Chemical’s treats 100 square feet per gallon. Trex warns that whatever cleaner you use, you might need to treat the deck several times to completely remove mold. They used to recommend Corte Clean and I am not sure when they started recommending Olympic but either way you are paying for overpriced bleach. Olympic is sodium hypochlorite which you are better off getting 12.5% and that way you can make it stronger if necessary, you can’t with the Olympic brand.

• Many of the composite companies use wood content in them as well.
• To maintain the beauty of your Trex® deck, a little care and cleaning goes a long way.
• Often, the only maintenance composite decking requires is an occasional power washing.
• All exterior building materials require cleaning and a Trex deck is no different.
• Composite decks on the other hand, offer a lower level of all-around maintenance – they won’t splinter and you don’t need to worry about periodic staining, painting or sealing projects.

The Composite Deck Cleaning Process

Note that while Star Brite is manufactured as a deck cleaning product for boats, it’s gentle formulation makes it a great choice for residential decks as well. The premixed liquid can be applied to a wet deck either with a pump sprayer or a soft deck brush. Even after you rinse it away, the cleaner leaves a microscopic layer of polymer protection to help repel stains and spills in the future. One gallon cleans and treats a deck up to 1,000 square feet. Composite decking is manufactured from wood byproducts and plastic, and it comes with an impermeable surface, designed to resist rotting and decay. Wood deck cleaners may be too harsh for composite decks, especially if they contain brightening ingredients, which can strip the sheen off decking, leaving a dull, unattractive look.

How To Extend The Life Of Your Deck

The best part of composites is that, with the exception of food stains, you only have to clean your deck for aesthetic reasons. For wood decks, not cleaning often enough can lead to more costly maintenance. Thurston said the green and brown stains you describe are probably mold and mildew, which come in a variety of colors besides basic black.

I make no guarantees on Trex because even they now it will not be 100%. Fred, that’s odd, composite decks shouldn’t have this issue. Maybe try using our Composite Deck Cleaner and see if that takes it off. If you have a pressure washer, maybe give it a light rinsing after allowing the cleaner to set for minutes. To clean a composite deck, sweep it with a broom or leaf blower at least once a week to get rid of dirt and debris. If your deck is still dirty, hose it down, scrub with a brush and soap, then, rinse with a hose. For a faster cleaning option, try using a pressure washer.

Instead, I recommend using DEFY Composite Deck Cleaner. This cleaner is specifically formulated for cleaning composite decking, including Trex. Like other wood deck varieties, composite decking is quite porous.

Keep the spray moving and don’t spray from too close to the deck. Trex Decks can last a lifetime and will maintain their quality but sometimes they show their age. One of the best ways to care for your deck is to clean it regularly - don’t let it get past the point of no return. Another way of maintaining a clean composite deck is after the cleaning is complete to apply a water sealer made specifically for composite decking. Some essential tips to remember with composite decks is never to use shovels or any sharp objects to remove snow and ice from the deck in the winter. Your deck design and building specialist is supremely knowledgeable about the product that they employ. Consequently, they can suggest the best snow melt products to use that will be safe for the decking materials.